Hosting a formal dinner – guidelines you should follow

  Hosting an event is never easy, especially if it is a formal one. Paying attention to all the details that are involved in making the party a success is a must. This article is going to describe all these details and transform them into easy-to-follow steps for anyone who desires to become a better organizer. For less formal events, the rules are not as strict as in the case of a formal dinner and this is the principal reason to step up the game and invest your time and attention into understanding what should be emphasized on this occasion. Here you will find a list of various tricks and trips that might ease the process tremendously.   

Invitations

A normal dinner doesn’t involve sending invitations beforehand. You can simply call your guests and let them know when the dinner will be hosted. Another difference between a normal and a formal dinner would be the number of the guests. Formal dinners usually have more guests than the usual. The main element that is going to transform the specifics of the event is represented by invitations. Go ahead and design some invitations for all the guests that are supposed to come, but don’t opt for digital ones. Instead, send paper invitations or hand them personally. Even though it might seem that this detail is not important for putting together a formal event, it is.  

Table setting

The way you set the tables is absolutely paramount for the overall ambiance of your event. First of all, you’ll have to opt for tableware that’s not usually seen on semi-formal or non-formal events. You should include at least two plates, a bigger and a smaller one, accompanied by two forks, two knives, and a spoon. For each guest, opt for a wine glass and a water glass. In some cases, an additional glass is required, but since you may have an open bar, this step is not required. If you know your guests very well, place the tableware according to their preferences (right or left-handed). There are full guides on how to set tableware depending on the type of the event you are hosting. You might want to go through these guides and see what option suits your event the best and follow the instructions you are given. Your guests will surely be impressed.  

Formal details

Beside tableware, there are a few details that could transform the look of your dinner. Try to use formal linens and napkins instead of the regular, one-use napkins that are offered at non-formal events. Choose tablecloths that suit the venue or the theme chosen for the event and don’t forget to check if they are ironed beforehand. Cloth or linen napkins are a sign of formality, so go ahead and use those instead of regular napkins. Another good piece of advice would be to use table runners, either on top of a full tablecloth or directly on the table itself. Whatever is more comfortable for you and matches the theme of the event.  

Place cards 

Formal dinners should always include a complete list of all the guests that are going to attend. Since you have access to this list, placing cards with the names of each guest so that there are no misunderstandings regarding the seating is a sign of professionalism and a nice touch for a formal event. Guests will consider these cards a sign of thoughtfulness. Moreover, this small touch helps the event to remain organized from beginning to end. You can either write the cards manually, or you can print them. Regardless of the option you choose, place cards are required for completing the table setting at such an event.  

Ambiance

The overall ambiance of a formal dinner party has to be perfect. The ambiance can be created by selecting the right type of music, the appropriate lighting options, and a comfortable setting. You should hire a decoration company to bring in the details that make the surrounding appropriate for such an event. Fresh flowers and candles could entirely transform the way your table setting looks like. In case you want to deal with decorations on your own, choose flowers that match the theme of the event and opt for non-scented candles instead of scented ones. For music, hire a DJ, a band or prepare a playlist yourself. The music at an elegant, formal dinner should consist of classical music or other relaxing genres which are played at a reasonable volume.   

Entrance 

After you selected a venue and you dealt with all the details that have to do with interior decorations, open bar, and food options, you should think about the reaction of people when they are reaching the location. The guests have to feel welcomed, meaning that you should think about greeting them before the event. As a host, this is your duty and you can’t skip this step, no matter how busy the rest of the event may be. Don’t forget to make the entrance visible. The guests shouldn’t find it troubling to find the venue. A welcome mat or a sign should do the job just fine.  

Open bar and food options 

The next step is dealing with the bar and the food options. Think about how many people are going to attend your event and think in portions. For an open bar, worry not – guests can choose exactly what they want to consume and you don’t have to think about quantities. Depending on the venue you chose, you can either pay in advance for the drinks and risk not having everything consumed, or you can pay after the whole event is over and the calculations can be done. As for food options, opt for bite-sized foods as appetizers. You can hire catering companies that offer sandwich platters or similar plateaus. Keep in mind that you have to put together a more sophisticated affair, from both points of view. Food options and a well-stocked bar are the two factors that will make people enjoy your event or not.